TAB Tent White Paper.docx

NGKY-AVN-X 16 November 2022

THRU Chief of Staff, Logistics KYARNG FOR Chief of Staff, Army KYARNG

SUBJECT: 63rd TAB Tactical Operation Center Replacement Tentage

63rd Theater Aviation Brigade’s (TAB) Tactical Operations Center (TOC) responsible for enhancing Mission Command (MC) of aviation elements is in dire need of upgrading due to years of operational support at both the state and national levels. Unit readiness is adversely affected due to more than a decade of use and there are approved processes for acquiring direct replacements through the normal requestion channels.

The DRASH tent systems have supported 63rd TABs efforts with overwhelming success since 2009. The TAB is currently working on their 14th year of use even though DRASH systems are normally provided a 12-year life cycle. The current DRASH Large tent is no longer serviceable, and the KY State Occupational Health Office has recommended the system be condemned due to water moisture intrusion (Hawkey 2022).

According to Mission Command Project Manager Bilbrew (2019), approves HDT AirBeam tent shelters as an authorized replacement meeting form fit, and function requirements. Concurrently the AirBeam model tent/shelters are compliant as a “drop-in” replacement that should integrated into the current TMSS configuration and replace the DRASH tents through attrition.

HDT’s patented high-pressure AirBeam technology resists bending which is beneficial for Aviation units generally located near dynamic aviation operations. AirBeam tents do not come with tent pole systems which is a positive when compared to other companies. The systems are beneficial since they can be used on the legacy DRASH trailer systems with no modification. Other systems considered such as UTS use multiple pole systems for upward strength, cannot be supported by the DRASH trailer and could increase transportation and logistics requirements beyond current aviation formation capabilities.

63rd TAB has worked with many other Major Commands within the state to acquire their used AirBeam systems as they have transition to UTS. The brigade has completed their proposed layout of AirBeam systems as they transition from legacy DRASH systems in preparation for WarFighter (WF) 23-5 in May 2023. The improved TOC layout with a reduced “footprint” provides increased mobility supporting Multi-Doman flexibility while maintaining the Common Operating Picture.

Only 2 of the 10 AirBeam systems can be requested via NSN. The published lead time through the MilStrip process could take up to 300 days and the error message populates in GCSSA that the tents are “NOT STOCKED, CENTRALLY PROCURED # (NON-STOCKED ITEMS) IMM/SERVICE CENTRALLY MANAGED BUT NOT STOCKED ITEM. PROCUREMENT WILL BE INITIATED ONLY AFTER RECEIPT OF A REQUISITION. If locally purchased through HDT Global the average time to receive the product 120 days from the date of order. Currently 63rd TAB is 180 days out from execution of WF 23-5.

DRAFTED BY: LTC Gabriel Spicer, XO, 502-607-1640

KENTUCKY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

63RD Theater aviation brigade 100 Minuteman Parkway Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-6168

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